Things to Know Before Hiring PHP coder

PHP coding is not same as that most commercially minded industry folks sit around talking about it. As you realise you require outsourced assistance for a web project, then it becomes a hot subject. While looking to hire PHP developer skill for an important project, your other web design and development may have to take a back seat. For the instance you’re in need of some serious techy wisdom!  So in layman’s words what does a PHP coder actually do? What are the important criteria to look out for, and where to find a good one?

A brief history of PHP development

The first PHP programmer was of course its maker, Rasmus Lerdorf, a Danish developer who started work on what was eventually to become the PHP programming language in 1994.  The name PHP originally called ‘Personal Home Page’, as Lerdorf had used it to maintain his own website homepage.

In 1997 two programmers from the Technion IIT picked up what Lerdorf had initialised, and PHP script really started to take off.  In 2004 on its tenth birthday, PHP version 5 had been released and was in common usage around the world.

What is PHP used for?

PHP - a general purpose scripting language, it is used to have additional functionality to web sites. PHP can easily interact with MYSQL databases and perform different operations, from complex mathematical operations to setting up a blog.  An experienced PHP programmer can use it to craft a diverse array of website processes, even using it to edit and create simple graphics.  It is also used to generate a screen CAPTCHA, or to create web pages on the fly using data directly from a database. The list of applications that a PHP coder might use this coding language is rapidly increasing. Needless to say, its popularity has a lot to do with its diversity.

Hiring PHP coder

When you come to hire a PHP coder, there will be certain points you would like to ask. Firstly, due to the diversity of this scripting language, don’t assume all PHP web developers are the same. Check that developer or the company you choose to work with has experienced in the way that you are working on. Ask any potential freelance PHP programmer to provide you examples of past work similar in nature to what you need. Is the person doing the work ‘business savvy’? If you need the PHP development skill for a business application then can you be assured of a professional job, so attitude is important. Outsourcing such work often raises similar sorts of questions, whether it is freelance designer, copywriter or web developer. The key is to hire a programmer that you feel comfortable with and who frequently asks questions; in that way you will know they understand what you are required.